Part of Tustin Avenue to be closed temporarily for 4-month trial period

Come late September or early October, the northern end of Tustin Avenue by Cliff Drive will be closed to motor vehicles for four months for city staff to conduct a traffic study and determine whether or not the closure should become permanent.

The Newport Beach City Council unanimously voted Tuesday to approve the temporary closure, after residents between Avon Street and Cliff Drive on Tustin and Ocean View Avenue raised concerns about safety for pedestrians and drivers alike.

City staff said in a report prepared for Tuesday’s meeting that both Tustin and Ocean View avenues are relatively narrow, at a width of 28 feet from curb to curb.

The streets also allow for parking on both sides and lack public sidewalks, so pedestrians and bikers will often have to go onto the street, forcing opposing vehicle traffic to yield.

A traffic count conducted between April 19 and 25 this year showed the average daily combined traffic on Tustin and Ocean avenues total 945 trips a day. City staff reported that breaks down to just 245 trips daily by local residents and nearly 650 nonlocal trips along the two streets.

Residents submitted a petition to the city to request the closure.

Of the 31 property owners on the two streets, 26 signed the document. One resident suggested that the south end — by Avon Street and Tustin Avenue — should be closed instead.

No discussion was held prior to Tuesday’s vote.

On Thursday, city spokesman John Pope said that staff estimates the 4-month trial closure to motor vehicles will begin after barricades and signage are ordered and installed this fall. Pedestrians and bicyclists will still be allowed to use the street.

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